Pneumatic action for player-pianos.



E. 0'. HISGOCK.

PNEUMATIC ACTION FOR PLAYER PIANOS. APPLICATION FILED DEG. so, 1912.

Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

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E. G. HISGOGK. PNEUMATIC ACTION FOR PLAYER PIANOS. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30, 1912.

1,125,320. Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIGE.

EMORY C. I-IISCOCK, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO W. W. KIMBALL COMPANY PNEUMATIC ACTION FOR PLAYER-PIANOS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

Application filed December 30, 1912. Serial No. 739,227.

T 0. all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EMORY O. Hrsooon, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and use ful Improvements in Pneumatic Actions for Player-Pianos, of which the following is specification.

This invention relates to the art of player pianos, and has reference more particularly to improvements in the pneumatic actions employed in such instruments.

Among the various objects attained by the invention are, to provide an improved construction of windchest, greaterfreedom from leakage and increased simplicity and economy of manufacture; to provide an improved construction of mold ed valve-chest and upper or stationary pneumatic section based on a unit system, that is, a system in which said parts are made in two. separable structures instead of a single unitary structure, affording increased efficiency and reliability, and easy access for the inspection, cleaning and repair of parts; to provide a simple and efficient means for locking the removable valvechest or casing in cooperative relation to the upper pneumatic section and wind-chest, while permitting its ready removal; to provide an improved bleed-duct and bleedvalve controlling the same; to provide an improved packing for the joint between the removable valve-chest or casing and the upper pneumatic section of such a character as to, effectively preserve the complete independence of the registering ducts and ports of said parts; to provide, an improved attachment. between the forward ends of the power pneumatic and the superposed windchest such as shall not interfere with the ready application and removal of the removable valve-chest; to provide an improved means of supporting the trackertubes of the lower tier or tiers of pneumatic actions from the wind-chests of the upper tier or tiers; and, generally, to provide a simpler, more durable and more efficient pneumatic player action than has hereto fore been produced.

The improvements in the construction of the valves and associated valve mechanism are described and claimed in a divisional application Serial No. 771,366, filed by me June 2", 1913.

affording My invention, its structural features, mode of operation, and advantages will be readily ascertained from the following de tailed description, when considered in con nection with the accompanying drawings, in which I have illustrated one practical form in which the several features of improvement contemplated by my invention may be embodied, and in which,

Figure l is a vertical sectional view through a tier of three superposed windchests, with the intermediate valve-chest and power pneumatic shown in central longitudinal section and the upper and lower valve-chests and power pneumatics appearing in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the upper or stationary section of the pneumatic with my improved jointpacking applied thereto. Fig. 3 is a per spective elevation of one of the wind-chests and one of its cooperating power pneumatics, with the removable valve-chest omitted. Figs. 4 and 5 are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the removable valve-chest. Fig. 6 is an end view of the valve-chest as viewed from the left of Fig. l. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are enlarged detail views in vertical section of the lower valve-seat, the valve, and the diaphragm-disk, respectively; more particularly illustrating the novel structure of said parts whereby I eliminate the usual effects of swelling and shrinking upon the action of said parts, and insure a uniform behavior of said parts in action. Fig. 10 is a central longitudinal section through the packing-strip. Fig. 11 is a sectional detail through a portion of the valve-chest, upper pneumatic section, and interposed packing, in the vertical plane of the bleed-duct, and also showing the structure of the bleed or vent valve and its relation to said duct. Fig. 12 is a perspective detail of the spring clamp for locking the removable alve-chest in place. Fig. 13 is a sectional detail showing the means for supporting the forward end of the power pneumatic from the wind-chest.

Referring to the drawings, 10 designates the usual vertical wind-trunk to which the main exhaust bellows of the instrument are connected, tapping one side of which trunk are a series of parallel superposed windchests. As these wind-chests and the several actions connected thereto and served thereby are all duplicates, a description of a single wind-chest and connected action will suffice. The wind-chest comprises a main body portion formed of a channeled wooden strip 11, the upper and lower surfaces of which are covered with a thin veneer 12 of Vulcanized fiber, and a flat top or cover-plate glued thereto and comprising a thin wooden sheet 13 with a thin vulcanized fiber veneer 14 on both sides thereof. Between the channel of the strip 11 and the cap or cover is formed the wind-space 15. This construction is simple and cheap to manufacture, and, by reducing the number of joints commonly required in such structures, correspondingly reduces the liability of leakage.

Attached to the under side of the windchest by screws indicated at 16 and a leather packing-sheet 16 is the upper or stationary section 17 of the power pneumatic, the lower hinged section being indicated at 18, and the foldable bellows sides at 19. Attached to the free end of the hinged section 18 is the usual lifter-arm 20 which, either directly or through the lifter 21, actuates the piano action.

22 designates each of the tracker-tubes, the lower ends of which latter communicate with the individual player action units. As shown in Fig. 1, the lower end of the tube 22 i registers with a duct 23 formed through the rear wall of the wind-chest; and in the case of the intermediate and lower actions, the tubes 22 pertaining thereto are supported in notches or kerfs 24 (Fig. 3) formed in the rear edges of the upper wind-chest or chests,

7 that this member, together with the cooperating valve-chest hereinafter described, and the valve, lower valve-seat and diaphragmdisk, are made of a molded substantially non-shrinkable composition material, such as is commonly employed for mouth-pieces and receivers of telephones, the forms of the several ducts are such as to permit the use of readily removable cores in the molding operation, and the open sides or ends of such ducts are sealed by an air-tight external covering, as hereinafter described.

25 designates the lower portion of the diaphragm-chamber, and 26 the central longitudinal duct connecting said diaphragmchamber with the lower end of the duct 23 through a short vertical duct 27, said duct 26, for convenience in molding, being extended through the end of the pneumatic section, as shown. On opposite sides of and parallel with the duct 26 are shorter ducts 29 formed by coring horizontal grooves in the opposite sides of the pneumatic section 17. The ducts 29 communicate at one end with the chamber 15 of the wind-chest through ports 30 (Fig. 2) and short ducts 31 (Fig. 3) in the bottom wall of the wind-chest; and the opposite ends of said ducts 29 communicate through ports 32 (Fig. 2) with the diaphragm-chamber above the diaphragm, as clearly indicated in Fig. 1. In the forward end of the pneumatic section 17 is a duct 33 (Fig. 1), the lower end of which communicates freely .with the interior of the pneumatic, while its upper end forms a port 34 (Fig. 2) that registers with a corresponding port in the valve-chest hereinafter referred to.

The sides and ends of the stationary pneumatic section 17 last described are covered with an air-tight bellows-cloth 35, which may also conveniently be extended to form the bellows sides of the pneumatic. This material seals the outer sides of the ducts 29, as well as seals the outer end of the duct 26. In the diaphragm-chamber 25 is suitably mounted a diaphragm 36, centrally of which latter is secured the diaphragm-disk 37 through which the vibrations of the diaphragm are transmitted to the stem of the superposed valve. In the upper pneumatic section 17 is also formed the lower portion 28 of the bleed-duct or tracker-tube vent, the outer end of which is carried upwardly through the face of the pneumatic and is preferably covered by a screen 28. For convenience in casting, as well as for cleaning, the horizontal portion of the duct 28 is extended forwardy through the end of the pneumatic section 17 and is closed by a re movable threaded plug 88.

Fitted to the upper face of the forward portion of the stationary pneumatic 17 is the removable valve chest 39 shown in detail in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. This valve-chest is an integral structure of the same molded composition material as the pneumatic section 17, suitably cored to afford the requisite chambers and passages for cooperation with the upper pneumatic section. In the lower face of the valve-chest is formed the upper section 40 of the diaphragm-chamber; and directly above the same is the valve-chamber 41. Extending forwardly of the valvechamber 41 is a horizontal duct 42 that, for convenience in molding, is carried through the forward end of the valve-chest, but is closed at said forward end by a plug 43. Communicating with the duct 42 is a short vertical duct 44 that registers with the duct 33 of the upper pneumatic section through the port 34 of the latter. Between the upper portion 40 of the diaphragm-chamber and the lower end of the valve-chamber 41 is the lower valve-seat 45, through which plays the stem of the valve 46; the lower end of'said valve=sternnormally overlying the diaphragm-disk 37, and the "valve itself normally resting upon the valve=seat 4L5. Integral with the top wall of "the valvechest directly above the valve-chamber is a downwardly turned annular flange 39" which constitutes the upper valve-seat. :Referring to Figs. 7, '8 and 9 for a'specific disclosure of an important novel structural feature that is common to all of said :parts, in the upper face'of-the lower valve-seat 45 is an a-nnularrgroove L7 in which is fitted a packing-ring 48 of 'felt or like material, the upper face'of which lies very slightly above'the upper surface of the valve-seat; and over this packing rin g 48 is a covering i9 consisting of a thin sheet 'ofzrubber or other moisture-proof material. This -covering sheet is cemented-to theupper sideof the valve-seat on'both the inner and outer sides of the packing-ring '48, but is not cemented to the latter. In-the valve 46 is a similar annular groove 50 containing a packing-ring 51 of felt or like material, the upper face'of which, and the upper surface of tie valve are covered by'a similar thin sheet 52 of rubber or like moistureproof material, similarly applied. In the diaphragm-disk 37 is formed a central shallow socket 53 containing a disk 54eof felt, or thelike, and over-the upper .face of the felt disk 54 and the diaphragm-disk 37 is covering 55 also of sheet rubber or like moisture-proof material, similarly applied. The felt packing 'of'the lower valve-seat i5 cooperates with the-underside of the valve 46; the felt packing of the valve a6 cooperates with the upper valve-seat i8; and the felt packing of the diaphragm-disk37 cooperates with the lower end of the'stem of the valve e26,said valve-stem having the form of a cross in'transverse section to afford a relatively wide guide to the valve and also permit the free flow of airaround the valve-stem when the valve opens.

i am aware that it has "heretofore been known to apply to the upper surface of a diapln'a 'in-valve or valve seat a sheet or strip of felt, and cement a sheet or strip of rubber to the upper "surface of'said felt sheet or strip. The cementing of the rubber to the felt, however, reduces and practically destroys the 'yieldable and selfadapting character of the felt; and by my construction I provide a perfect seal for the felt against the ingress of moisture without cementing the sealing material to the felt itself.

The lower end of the duct H- of the valvechest terminates in aport 55 (Fig. 5) that registers with the port 3i of the upper pneumatic section through an interposed gasket or packing-strip that is preferably made of rubber. In the valve-chest is also formed the upper portion 58 of the bleedduct (Fig. 11), the innerend of which communicates withthe upper portion 40 of the diaphragmchamber above the diaphragm, while itsouter end isturned downwardly at'a right-angle through the lower faceof the valve-chest terminating in a port 59 that registers with the screen-covered port ofthe duct 28 in the upper pneumatic section. Controlling the duct 58 is a bleedvalve 60 having a threaded shank 61 adapted to screw into the forward face of the valve-chest and a square inner end adapted to obstruct the bleed-duct at the bend or anglethereof to a degree that can be nicely regulated by its screw-threaded shank. Heretofore, so far as I am aware, this regulation or control of the bleed-duct or tracker-tube vent has been effected by adjustable valves of the needle-valve type, which form an annular opening or passage for the air around the tapered point of the needle-valve. My present structure and arrangement of bleed-valve is of a radically different type, the valve itself having a square inner end completely filling the horizontal portion of the bleed-duct in which it operates, and regulating the size of the passage by cutting off more or less the vertical portion-of the bleed-duct at its juncture with the horizontal portion, in the manner clearly indicated in Fig. 11. This form of valve avoids the splitting of the air current and-the friction resulting from the flow of the air over and around the valve itself incident to the needle-valve type, and makes a much more sensitive and reliable bleed or vent valve than the common needle-valve.

The gasket 57, which is shown in top plan in Fig. 2 and in longitudinal section in Fig. 10,is a rectangular sheet, preferably of rubber, suitably cut out to surround the upper diaphragm-chamber i0 and the ports 32 as well as the ports 34 and 56 and the registering ports of the bleed-duct. The gasket is preferably cemented on its lower side to the upper face of the pneumatic section 17 as shown in Fig. 2; and a structural feature of novelty and utility resides in the provision of raised ribs 62 that are stamped or struck up on the upper side of the gasket around the openings for the diaphragm-chamber, main exhaust-duct and bleed-duct, respectively; the striking up of these ribs leaving shallow channels 63 (Fig. 10) on the under side of the gasket. TV hen the valve-chest is inserted in place and clamped down upon the gasket, the raised. ribs 62 are forced downwardly and thereby create air-tight joints around and effectively separate the diaphragm-chamber and exhaust and bleedducts, so that conditions existing in any one in no wise'effect the conditions existing in the others. It will be obvious that the gas ketmight be reversed, being cemented to the bottom of the valve-chest and provided with raised ribs engaging the upper face of the upper pneumatic section.

The forward ends of the upper pneumatic sections are conveniently supported from spaced overhanging projections 64: (Fig. 3) of the wind-chest by means of wire hangers 65 passed through said projections 64 and supported by nuts 66 in countersunk holes 67 therein, and at their lower ends bent inwardly and entered into the sides of the pneumatic sections 17, as clearly shown in Fig. 13. By staggering the supporting hangers of adjacent pneumatics, as shown in Fig. 3, it is practicable to employ hangers on both sides of each pneumatic without interfering with the compact relation of each horizontal series of power pneumatics.

The valve-chest, constructed and equipped as described, and forming the upper half of what I style a unit system, is readily removable and insertible relatively to the upper pneumatic section 17, forming the lower half thereof, and when in place is confined laterally as well as rearwardly by the notches in the forward edge of the wind-chest formed by the projections 64, in an obvious manner. The valve-chest is securely held in operative position by a U-shaped springclamp 68 (Fig. 12), the cross-member of which overlies the top of the valve-chest, and the side arms of which are suitably crimped, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 12, so as to be compressed between the under sides of the overhanging projections 6i and longitudinal ledges 69 formed on the sides of each valve-chest, when the clamp is forced into place. To further facilitate the application and removal of the valve-chest, I preferably corrugate the sides of the latter, as shown at 70. By simply withdrawing the spring 68 and grasping the valve-chest by its corrugated sides, said valve-chest can be instantly withdrawn for examination and cleaning, when necessary, of the most vital parts of the structure, such as the valve, valve-seat, diaphragm-disk, and wind and bleed-ducts and ports. By making the valve-chest, upper pneumatic section, valve, valve-seat, and diaphragm-disk of a material that is substantially unaffected by atmospheric changes either of humidity or temperature, I provide a structure which is uniform and reliable in its operation; and by giving to the valve-chest the removable character described, I provide a simple means for obtaining ready access to the interior parts of the action for cleaning, repair and renewal, when necessary, without requiring the dismantling of the entire pneumatic action.

Minor changes may obviously be made 111 the details of structure within the purview and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim 1. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a wind-chest formed with lateral projections on one side thereof, of a power pneumatic having one end portion of its stationary side secured to the bottom of said wind-chest, and hangers connecting the opposite end portion of said pneumatic to said lateral projections.

2. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a wind-chest and tracker-tube, of a power pneumatic attached to the lower side of the wind-chest and formed in its stationary side with a diaphragm-chamber and diaphragm and with ducts communicating with said wind-chest and trackertube, a valve-chest removably fitted to the upper side of said pneumatic and provided with a valve cooperating with said diaphragm and with ducts communicating with the ducts of said pneumatic through registering ports, and means for removably securing said valve-chest upon said pneumatic.

3. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a wind-chest formed with lateral projections on one side thereof, of a power pneumatic secured to the bottom of said wind-chest and extending beneath the plane of said lateral projections, the stationary side of said pneumatic being formed with a diaphragm-chamber and diaphragm and with air-ducts, a valve-chest removably fitted to the upper face of said stationary side and provided with a valve cooperating with said diaphragm and with air-ducts communicating with the air-ducts of said pneumatic through registering ports, and springs inserted between said lateral projections and said valve-chest and operating to hold the latter to its seat on said pneumatic.

4. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a wind-chest formed with lateral projections on one side thereof, of a power pneumatic secured to the bottom of said wind-chest and extending beneath the plane of said lateral projections, the stationary side of said pneumatic being formed with a diaphragm-chamber and diaphragm and with air-ducts, a valve-chest removably fitted to the upper face of said stationary side and provided with lateral ledges and a valve cooperating with said diaphragm and with air-ducts communicating with the air-ducts of said pneumatic through registering ports, and a spring-clamp having a cross-member overlying said valve-chest and crimped arms adapted to be forced between said lateral projections of the wind-chest and the lateral ledges of said valve-chest to hold the latter to its seat on said pneumatic.

5. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a power pneumatic having a diaphragm-chamber and ports formed in the upper face of its stationary side, of a valve-chest having a cooperating diaphragm chamber and ports formed in its lower face and adapted to register with the diaphragm-chamber and ports of said pneumatic, and a gasket between the meeting faces of saidparts, said gasket being secured to one of said faces and open through the regions thereof overlying said diaphragmchamber and ports, and provided with integral ribs adapted to engage the other meeting face around the respective diaphragmchamber and ports thereof.

6. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with a power pneumatic having a diaphragm-chamber and ports formed in the upper face of its stationary side, of a valvechest having a cooperating diaphragm-chamber and ports formed in its lower face and adapted to register with the diaphragm-chamber and ports of said pneumatic, and a rubber gasket between the meeting faces of said parts, said gasket being secured to one of said faces and open through the regions thereof overlying said diaphragm-chamber and ports, and provided with upset ribs adapted'to engage the other meeting face around the respective diaphragm-chamber and ports thereof.

7. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with an upper pneumatic section containing the lower portion of a diaphragm-chamber and a diaphragm, of a valve-chest containing the upper portion of said diaphragm-chamber and a valve, said upper pneumatic section and valve-chest being provided with cooperating bleed-ducts communicating with the lower and upper portions of the diaphragm-chamber on opposite sides of the diaphragm, respectively, and a bleed-valve in the bleed-ductof said valve-chest.

8. In a pneumatic player action, the combination with an upper pneumatic section containing the lower portion of a diaphragm-chamber and a diaphragm, of a valve-chest containing the upper portion of said diaphragm-chamber and a valve, said upper pneumatic section and valve-chest being provided with cooperating bleed-ducts communicating with the lower and upper portions of the diaphragm-chamber on opposite sides of the diaphragm, respectively, a bleed-valve in the bleed-duct of said valvechest, a clean-out passage communicating with the bleedduct of said upper pneumatic section, and a removable plug normally closing said clean-out passage.

EMORY C. HISCOCK.

WVitnesses SAMUEL N. POND, E. G. INGERSOLL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

